BadgerFiles

When you think technology centers, is Williamsport the first or second city to enter your mind? You can be honest and say “no.” However, the newly formed Greater Williamsport Technology Futures Organization (GWTFO) will be working hard in 2007 to change your perception by conducting technology-based economic development, establishing the GWTFO’s reputation, and facilitating innovation.

The GWTFO, an affiliate of the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce, formed in the wake of the Williamsport Technology Futures Conference held in October 2006. Last fall, a wide range of companies met to discuss ways to make Williamsport an attractive place for people and businesses. Since the conference, the organization has been busy defining its direction and mission:

The Greater Williamsport Technology Futures organization is united under a shared vision for technology advancement and economic development. The focus of the Greater Williamsport Technology Futures Organization is to bring together people who have a vital interest in moving the Williamsport region forward through innovation.

We must not let the terminology lead us astray. In a simple perspective, technology solves problems the way farm tractors, assembly lines, artificial hearts, and personal computers solve problems. The technology represents the product as much as the process.

You may think innovation is risky, ground breaking technologies that result from large R&D departments, but innovation is much more attainable. Think of innovation as a change in a process that brings value and economic return to a business. For an more in-depth discussion of innovation, try Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Innovation.

Spokeswoman Anna Griffith, in a recent email conversation, explains what we can expect from the GWTFO this year on the technology economic development front. “Initially, we are going to concentrate on identifying and promoting technology companies within the Williamsport Region,” writes Griffith. “For 2007, we are going to focus on building the organization and small successes to build our reputation with our membership.”

The GWTFO wishes to find success stories in “recruiting a small company or starting a company; modernizing an existing company; and innovating an already modern company.” The homegrown successes will allow the GWTFO to reach outside the region to promote Williamsport as a technology center and draw businesses and people to Williamsport.

In addition to building relationships within the community, the GWTFO wants to foster innovation by changing the way we view technology and facilitating the question, “How do I employ technology to get my product to market?” Or if you don’t have a product, the GWTFO can help you start your business.

One thing becomes clear as Griffith describes the GWTFO. Businesses run and succeed on the backs of people, such as students, employees, and entrepreneurs. Griffith says, “We want to excite the community about what is going on here and develop an early adopter mindset.” Early adopters are those people who use technologies before the rest of know they exist or before a technology’s benefits are fully understood or attainable by the masses.

So, how does the GWTFO excite people in the Wiliamsport Region and create a “connected community?” Griffith explains, “First of all, by making people aware of all the fabulous technology companies already here. We want to give people a forum to talk about their visions and find ways to attain that vision.” The group also plans to reach out to educational institutions from preschool to college and make students aware of technology opportunities in the area.

The GTWFO plans to hold a conference in spring 2007, with a special interest, member driven conference in the fall. Additional information and events for 2007 can be found on the GWTFO website at williamsporttechregion.com.

Key members of the GWTFO include Discovery Machine, Kolb Net Works, Stonefield Capital, Primus, Susquehanna Health System, Pennsylvania College of Technology, Lycoming College, Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce, M&T Bank, and PenTeleData. The group has active support from Mayor Mary Wolf, Keystone Innovation Zone, IMC, SEDA-COG, and Ben Franklin Technology Partners. If you would like learn more about the GWTFO, including membership opportunities, visit williamsporttechregion.com.

Griffith reminds us that “this is a grassroots organization,” which means members determine the direction and results.

This story originally ran in the Williamsport Sun-Gazette on January 07, 2007.